Sponsored by MD+DI and organized by Canon Communications LLC, MDEA is the premier awards program for the medical technology community. It recognizes the achievements of medical device manufacturers, their suppliers, and the many people behind the scenes—engineers, scientists, designers, and clinicians—who are responsible for the groundbreaking innovations that are changing the face of healthcare. MDEA-winning entries excel in the areas of product innovation, design and engineering achievement, end-user benefit, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and healthcare delivery.

A comprehensive review of the entries was performed by an impartial, multidisciplinary panel of third-party jurors with expertise in biomedical engineering, human factors, industrial design, medicine, and diagnostics. The 2010 jury selected 39 winners in 10 medical product categories.

Vibringe sonic irrigation system, manufactured and submitted by Vibringe BV (Amsterdam, NH, Netherlands). The Vibringe is an endodontic sonic irrigation system that enables activation of the irrigation solution, acoustic streaming, in the root canal, in one step. The activation of the disinfectant enriches and completes the irrigation.

Orthopaedic Implant Skinpack Package for Femoral Hips, manufactured and submitted by Stryker Orthopaedics (Mahwah, NJ). The orthopedic implant skinpack package for femoral hips is designed to protect both product and package from damage, provide cost savings through package consolidation, and enhance the customer experience with a sleek, foam-free, user-friendly package. Supply and design credit to Alga Plastics (Cranston, RI).

GENERAL HOSPITAL DEVICES AND THERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS

Alice PDx recording device, manufactured and submitted by Philips Respironics (Monroeville, PA). The Alice PDx is a portable diagnostic recording device for obstructive sleep apnea screening, follow-up, and diagnostic assessment of cardio-respiratory sleep disorders. It can be used in a supervised facility or home environment. Supply and design credit to Nonin (Plymouth, MN).

DivibaX mixing transfer device, manufactured and submitted by Promens Medical Packaging A/S (Langeskov, Denmark). DivibaX is designed to provide closed mixing of medical powders into an IV fluid before infusion. With the DivibaX, the vial cannot be removed after mixing; it is attached to the IV bag during infusion.

FreeVac needlestick prevention syringe, manufactured and submitted by Globe Medical Tech Inc. (Houston, TX). The FreeVac’s main purpose is to prevent needlestick injuries. The syringe offers unique vacuum technology by using free air created inside of the plunger to retract the used needle into the barrel after an injection is administered.

Zio Patch continuous cardiac ECG (electrocardiogram) data recorder, manufactured and submitted by iRhythm Technologies Inc. (San Francisco, CA). The Zio Patch is a single-use, water-resistant continuously recording ECG monitor that can be worn for up to 14 days without removal. It is indicated for use on asymptomatic or symptomatic patients to determine if they are having abnormal heart rhythms.

ABL90 FLEX blood analyzer, manufactured and submitted by Radiometer Medical Aps (Broenshoej, Denmark). The ABL90 FLEX analyzer is a portable, automated analyzer that measures pH, blood gases, electrolytes, glucose, lactate, bilirubin, and oximetry on whole blood. It is intended for use at the point of care or in a laboratory.

Oragene•DNA self collection kit (OG-500), manufactured by DNA Genotek (Kanata, ON, Canada). Entry submitted by DW Product Development (Ottawa, ON, Canada). The OrageneDNA self-collection kit is a complete system for collection, stabilization, and transportation of DNA from saliva. Once a sample is deposited, the lid closed, a proprietary solution stabilizes it for long-term storage at room temperature. Supply and design credit to DW Product Development (Ottawa, ON, Canada).

Vitala Continence Control Device (CCD), manufactured and submitted by ConvaTec Inc. (Skillman, NJ). Vitala CCD is a pouchless ostomy prosthetic device that restores fecal continence for up to 8 hours for individuals with a colostomy. It seals against the stoma and prevents release of stool while permitting deodorization and release of flatus.

Intel Reader digital reading device, manufactured by Intel (Santa Clara, CA). Entry submitted by LUNAR (San Francisco, CA). The Intel Reader is a portable device for people with reading-based learning disabilities or visual problems such as blindness or low vision. The device captures the image of a printed page, converts it to digital text, and reads the content aloud. Supply and design credit to LUNAR (San Francisco, CA).

Tibion Bionic Leg wearable rehabilitation device, manufactured and submitted by Tibion Corp. (Moffett Field, CA). The Tibion Bionic Leg is a wearable robotic device that therapists use to help those disabled by stroke and other diseases to recover their ability to walk without canes and walkers, and to reduce risk of falls–goals rarely achieved with current therapy. Supply and design credit to Claremont Creek Ventures (Oakland, CA), and Fogarty Research and Development (Portola Valley, CA).

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, AND SUPPLIES

Ajust adjustable single-incision sling, manufactured and submitted by CR Bard, Bard Medical Division (Covington, GA). The Ajust sling is designed to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. The sling is secured in the patient’s tissue with two tissue anchors. An introducer inserts anchors. The mesh locks by an element deployed using a flexible stylet.

Duet TRS Reload Tissue Reinforcement System, manufactured and submitted by Covidien (North Haven, CT). The Duet TRS reload is an endoscopic stapler with an integrated, synthetic absorbable tissue reinforcement designed to support the staple line.

FinESS Sinus Treatment, manufactured by Entellus Medical (Maple Grove, MN). Entry submitted by Kablooe Design (Blaine, MN). FinESS Sinus Treatment is a less-invasive option for physicians and their patients compared with FESS. It’s an endoscopic procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia and opens and reshapes the sinuses behind the cheekbones and between the eyes. Supply and design credit to Kablooe Design (Blaine, MN).

Hydrodebrider endoscopic suction irrigator system, manufactured and submitted by Medtronic ENT (Jacksonville, FL). The Hydrodebrider system is a powered endoscopic suction irrigator that is intended to remove bacteria from the paranasal sinuses of patients with acute or chronic sinusitis. Supply and design credit to Metaphase Design Group Inc. (St. Louis, MO).

Quill SRS knotless surgical wound closure device, manufactured and submitted by Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Reading, PA). The Quill SRS is a knotless surgical wound-closure device that has tiny barbs on its surface. It is approved for the approximation of soft tissues. The barbs penetrate into the surrounding tissue and lock the device in place. Supply and design credit to Gregory L. Ruff MD (Chapel Hill, NC).

SERENGETI Minimally Invasive Retractor System, manufactured and submitted by K2M Inc. (Leesburg, VA). The SERENGETI disposable retractor is a screw-based, flexible, polymer retractor that can be opened at its distal end to offer the surgeon direct visualization to the pedicle screw for simple rod insertion. Supply and design credit to Orchid MacDee (Chelsea, MI).

Winning products will receive gold or silver recognition at a ceremony held June 9, 2010 during the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East 2010 Conference and Exposition (www.MDMEast.com) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The MDEA program is presented by Canon Communications LLC with corporate sponsorship provided by major industry suppliers, The MedTech Group Inc., Nordson EFD LLC, and Vante.

For more information about the Medical Design Excellence Awards—including additional details about the manufacturers and suppliers that created the 2010 MDEA-winning products—visit the MDEA Web site at www.MDEAwards.com or e-mail: mdea@ubm.com.